EP95 Dialogue 12 - The Process of Change - Jay Haley, MA; Thomas Szasz, MD

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. Given a topic, to become aware of the differing approaches to psychotherapy, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses in each approach. 

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

• Event Introduction

  • Hosted by the Milton H. Erickson Foundation in Las Vegas.

  • Moderated by Brent Geary; Jay Haley and Thomas Szasz requested an open forum on the process of psychotherapy.

• Defining Psychotherapy

  • Jay Haley notes psychotherapy lacks a clear definition or unified theory of change.

  • Thomas Szasz humorously suggests therapy should offer patients the choice to change—not enforce it.

• Theories of Change

  • Change occurs when the benefits of letting go of old patterns outweigh the benefits of maintaining them.

  • Haley and Szasz discuss responsibility for change—therapists vs. clients.

  • Szasz insists therapists shouldn’t coerce change; patients must choose it.

• Coercion in Therapy

  • Debate over whether court-mandated therapy constitutes coercion.

  • Szasz distinguishes legal coercion from therapeutic persuasion (e.g., family influence).

  • Economic and ethical implications of therapists taking involuntary clients are discussed.

• Educational Model vs. Traditional Therapy

  • Some suggest reframing therapy as mandatory education or training.

  • Educational models emphasize learning life skills over symptom correction.

  • Szasz supports education as more respectful and less stigmatizing than traditional therapy.

• Facilitating Change

  • Focus on helping clients recognize the benefits of change and reduce fear of losing protective behaviors.

  • Haley emphasizes practical, symptom-focused interventions.

  • Therapy should support natural, ongoing personal change.

• Choosing a Therapeutic Orientation

  • Influenced by fashion, social trends, therapist personality, and values—not just research.

  • Discussion on whether licensing requirements force certain orientations or compliance with state mandates.

• Final Thoughts

  • The panel reflects on therapy’s purpose: support voluntary growth without coercion.

  • Emphasizes the need for client consent, dignity, and therapist flexibility in orientation and approach.